Vonage is da bomb! [Archive] - Okinawa Japan Forum

atb35

08-20-2007, 09:50 PM

If you have cable modem and spend more then $25 on a phone card calling the states per month, OR if you dont have internet and spend more then $75 to do the same...get Vonage. It is great. I just got it and can call my kids and talk all day long for 26 a month.

(I didnt see a post mentioning this, so if there is, just delete this...sorry)

Honduh

08-21-2007, 01:38 PM

Yes it is. I would also like to mention that they won't ship to USPS (fpo/apo) addys. That was hell for us to get our modem. Have them ship it to someone stateside, and then have them forward you on the modem. takes a little longer, but well worth it. And your bill doesn't start until you start using the phone.

The best part about it, you use whatever area code you want stateside, therefore people can call you as if it were a local call for them. The number stays the same no matter where you are, as long as you have at least a cable modem.

If you want a referal, pm me with your email and I can refer you. :)

IndyGal

08-21-2007, 03:29 PM

I have something like it but through SKYPE. I can talk to anyone who has it free. Talk to my friend in Germany all the time. I also set up my own number in the states where friends and family (within the area code I selected) can call me for free. It only was $38 for an entire year. Pretty cool what you can get now. Although the long distance charge from here is cheap. I still use it to make other outgoing calls. I remember the first time we got to Okinawa it was 25 cents a minute!

smhersweetie

08-21-2007, 03:40 PM

atb35

08-21-2007, 03:44 PM

OK, that sounds better, I dont like Vonage anymore....

smhersweetie

08-21-2007, 03:47 PM

OK, that sounds better, I dont like Vonage anymore....

LOL. You're funny. Yea...it's hooked up to your computer...but you can buy a skype phone at the BX either cordless or just a regular phone, but yes...this is the cheapest I've found calling back to the states or family calling me. And you can choose any area code number you want. Just go to www.skype.com and check it out. Any questions just hollar....

IndyGal

08-21-2007, 03:56 PM

I bought the cordless phone out of the PX and it works really well. I call it "The bat phone", ha, ha. I also like being able to call the 800 numbers for free.

smhersweetie

08-21-2007, 04:09 PM

I bought the cordless phone out of the PX and it works really well. I call it "The bat phone", ha, ha. I also like being able to call the 800 numbers for free.

I have the cordless, but sometimes it gets cut off...and my outgoing calls it doesn't connect that well. I think it might be my laptop that it's linked with...you think it might be the phone or my computer??

Overall...I love skype though..it's just my phone.

renclenque

10-03-2007, 09:21 PM

Yes it is. I would also like to mention that they won't ship to USPS (fpo/apo) addys. That was hell for us to get our modem. Have them ship it to someone stateside, and then have them forward you on the modem.

There is a business now that helps you avoid the problem above. Here is their website:
www.shipitapo.com

Don't let the url mislead you; it also works for fpo addies too.

renclenque

10-03-2007, 09:28 PM

Yes I have Skype too. I got unlimited outgoing calls for a year for $29.99. And you can get incoming calls from anyone from where you get your number for $60 bucks a year. I like it and it's cheap. So I get unlimited incoming and going going calls for $100 a year.

I only pay for internet. I downloaded Skype for free & had all my friends and family members download Skype on their computers too. Since we are all equiped with webcams and microphones, we can talk and see each other, which makes the distance almost nonexistant. With Skype, modem to modem connections are free. You can even download additional software to have multi-callers. For example, from Okinawa, I called my brother in GA, then we called our grandparents in LA. Better yet, if you have a laptop with a built in webcam & a wireless router, you can walk around your place showing your family everything. My grandmother says she feels like I come over for a visit when I call and "talk" on Skype. It's really fantastic!:first:

smhersweetie

10-03-2007, 09:45 PM

I only pay for internet. I downloaded Skype for free & had all my friends and family members download Skype on their computers too. Since we are all equiped with webcams and microphones, we can talk and see each other, which makes the distance almost nonexistant. With Skype, modem to modem connections are free. You can even download additional software to have multi-callers. For example, from Okinawa, I called my brother in GA, then we called our grandparents in LA. Better yet, if you have a laptop with a built in webcam & a wireless router, you can walk around your place showing your family everything. My grandmother says she feels like I come over for a visit when I call and "talk" on Skype. It's really fantastic!:first:

DL Skype? Don't you need to dl it and have to purchase it to have it?? Well, I had to DL and pay for it, but yes I have unlimited outgoing and incoming for the cost of $90 for a year. Yes...if family have skype too..you guys can use all the above that you mention above. As in my case family only has cellphones. Wish they had a house phone so we can use the webcam and all. So you DL skype....you got the thing for free? or did you have to pay for it too?? Sorry..kinda confused. If you got DL and got the whole thing for free...let me know how you did that so when my 1 year is up I can maybe get it free too. Thanks.

coldnoodles

10-03-2007, 09:54 PM

I checked out vonage and skype but was told that the people I call to also have to have the same.

Its cheaper to just do the pc to pc call for FREE!! (thru yahoo messenger)

smhersweetie

10-03-2007, 10:03 PM

I checked out vonage and skype but was told that the people I call to also have to have the same.

Its cheaper to just do the pc to pc call for FREE!! (thru yahoo messenger)

For Skype....for my understanding If i buy the unlimited for outgoing...it's unlimited to me, but if the other person who has a cellphone...they will get charged no matter what (unless they have free night minutes), but for me It's unlimited to me for talking to them. And if they have a house phone...it shouldn't be charged to them because of me calling them (on my end it's unlimited). And for the incoming...if they don't have long distance they have to pay through their phone company, but because I have the unlimited incoming...they can call me and talk to me as long as they want...they're getting charged on their end (depending on what phone company they have)..not my end. Sorta confusing, but either way...for me having skype..no charges if I get incoming or make out going calls. Just depends on the carrier of the other person who I'm getting the calls from. I pay $90 bucks...unlimted incoming and outgoing. If there's something cheaper let me know.

I haven't tried the Yahoo Messenger though. I will check it out. Thanks Noodles.

Tempestuous

10-04-2007, 02:10 AM

Our friends in Germany have vonage.....they had some problems with it. The number they have phones some gal in Iowa. LOL So you call at decent hour in Germany and you wake this poor lady up.

They can call out but no one can call them on it.

Tempestuous

10-04-2007, 02:15 AM

I checked out vonage and skype but was told that the people I call to also have to have the same.

Its cheaper to just do the pc to pc call for FREE!! (thru yahoo messenger)

My understanding you can call whoever you like and it is free for you.

As Smmr mentioned if your receptor has a cell they are charged minutes (air time) unless they have unlimited nights/weekends and you are calling during that timeframe.

I know with Vonage you don't have to call another vonage user, since my friend calls me all the time and I don't get charged for it and her call gets through to me.

As for them calling you.....it is the cost of a regular long distance call for them, whatever plan they have for long distance.
We have a flat rate long distance so it costs me nothing extra to phone a vonage number (when it's the right number)

smhersweetie

10-04-2007, 08:13 AM

My understanding you can call whoever you like and it is free for you.

As Smmr mentioned if your receptor has a cell they are charged minutes (air time) unless they have unlimited nights/weekends and you are calling during that timeframe.

I know with Vonage you don't have to call another vonage user, since my friend calls me all the time and I don't get charged for it and her call gets through to me.

As for them calling you.....it is the cost of a regular long distance call for them, whatever plan they have for long distance.
We have a flat rate long distance so it costs me nothing extra to phone a vonage number (when it's the right number)

Thanks for clairifying about vonage and skype!! :) Agreed!!

renclenque

10-04-2007, 08:33 PM

DL Skype? Don't you need to dl it and have to purchase it to have it?? Well, I had to DL and pay for it, but yes I have unlimited outgoing and incoming for the cost of $90 for a year. Yes...if family have skype too..you guys can use all the above that you mention above. As in my case family only has cellphones. Wish they had a house phone so we can use the webcam and all. So you DL skype....you got the thing for free? or did you have to pay for it too?? Sorry..kinda confused. If you got DL and got the whole thing for free...let me know how you did that so when my 1 year is up I can maybe get it free too. Thanks.

There are many versions of Skype. I have Skype 3.2, which is one of the older free versions. I just googled free Skype download & www.skype.com popped up and I followed the links for downloading.

renclenque

10-04-2007, 08:35 PM

I checked out vonage and skype but was told that the people I call to also have to have the same.

Its cheaper to just do the pc to pc call for FREE!! (thru yahoo messenger)

Skype also calls PC to PC for free just like Yahoo messenger.

coldnoodles

10-04-2007, 10:41 PM

DocTurtle

10-05-2007, 10:00 AM

I love our vonage. Recently they put out a new plan that for $6 a month you get unlimited calling to places like Australia, Brazil, Argentina, and a bunch of other random spots along the globe. Which actually worked out really well for us since my wife calls home (Australia) a couple times a week. Now she can do it a couple times a day with no worries :)

renclenque

10-06-2007, 09:48 PM

For skype the people have to be on the skype list, plus you have to buy a phone for it.

You can pay for SkypeOut™ in a couple of different ways: with Skype Pro, certain calls are nothing per minute*; or with Skype Credit, you put some money on your account, and then it’s pay as you go.

Yahoo messenger is FREE unless you are going to call their land line or cell phone.

Don't you and who ever you are contacting have to have a Yahoo account for Yahoo messenger to work? If so, that's the same as Skype. You just have to have a Skype registered user name for both parties.

Mad Hatter

10-10-2007, 01:02 AM

how much is to much to pay for overseas calls in you guys' book?

atb35

10-10-2007, 04:56 PM

anything more then 7 cents a min is too much to me.

Fonze

10-10-2007, 05:19 PM

I pay 3.9 so i'm happy. my state side call usually between 500yen to 1000 yen.

htran804

10-14-2007, 05:13 AM

We use www.aimphoneline.com since we call cellphones, landlines, etc. Its $14.95 a month, but you don't need anything other than your computer and a headset. From what I could tell it was either paying $180/year from AIMphonline, or paying $90-$100/year for SkypeIn, and SkypeOUT. I decided to get the AIM service since I read that calls originating from overseas can incure chargers per minute. If thats not true someone fill me in, but so far I'm happy with my choice.

-htran804's husband

Black Orchid

02-01-2008, 08:02 AM

i know of a voip phone company better than vonage ive been using it for a year now and i have had absolutely no problems with it.. the call quality is a amazing the features that come with it are much more amazing and i think its better than the shitty service vonage gives you. its called Voip Your Life.. i didnt want to keep this to myself but check it out here.. you will be very happy you did after you read it through... the phone adapter they ship here for free and while you wait you can use a soft phone and a headset while you wait for the adapter to ship... i got two numbers one for my canadian familiy and friends and an american number for my american inlaws and friends and they came free.. check this out im not just hawkin this stuff.

http://www.voipyourlife.com/?salesperson=blackorchid

Black Orchid

02-01-2008, 08:03 AM

i pay 33.00 a month for global unlimited service and thats it. i forgot to mention that part

FDokinawa

02-04-2008, 12:26 AM

I picked up a Linksys CIT400 (do a search for it). It uses Skype, but allowes you to also plug your home landline into it. I payed $60 for one year for a stateside number and im paying about .02 cents a min to the states. The reason I really like this phone is its a real phone.. I dont have to sit in front of my computer with a headset on and look like an idiot. My family or friends can call my number and my home phone rings.. just like if I was in the states.

Texanoverseas

03-01-2008, 08:24 PM

htran804's slave

03-07-2008, 09:54 PM

I have a Skype phone. It is a cordless handset i can use all over my quarters. I am able to hook it up to my wireless router and don't have to even have my computer on. Also my Skype in number only cost me $10 a year I was able to get Skype out pro and I pay $25 for a whole year of free calling to the states. You can get the phone and all right off the site. Until you get it ( took me about 2 weeks) you can use a headset. It's the easiest phone system I came across in all my time overseas.

How long have you been overseas? I'm considering Skype, and I hope that I don't need a new phone number each and everytime I have to PCS (OCONUS or CONUS). My AIM phoneline plan will expire soon and I'm on the market for a new service.

EDIT:
I might as well ask here...

http://i27.tinypic.com/2a7g9wh.jpg

So if I signed up for the 1 year subscription is that $36 for unlimited incoming and outgoing calls? I assume I'd get a stateside number as well?

Or is it:

$24/year for a stateside phonenumber and unlimited "in-coming calls"
$12 pre-paid calling card for "out-going calls"
= $36 total

Thanks :thumbup:

htran804's slave

03-07-2008, 10:17 PM

Oh, and are there connection charges if the calls originate from Okinawa, and go to the USA?

Texanoverseas

03-07-2008, 10:23 PM

I have been overseas for about 18 months now. I have been using Skype for about 2 1/2 yeas though. I used it in the states for a home line when I was stationed away from my home city. Yes once you sign up for the Skype pro you can use get the skype in number and be able to have free incoming and outgoing calls for the whole year. It works very good as long as you have good service for your internet. Now with the new phones they have if you have a router you dont even have to have your computer on. Just the base station for the phone itself.

Texanoverseas

03-07-2008, 10:25 PM

The charge none with the skype out pro. It dosent cost me anything extra. The only thing that cost me extra is when I send a sms to some ones cell phone

htran804's slave

03-07-2008, 11:52 PM

did you purchase skype unlimited though? Because I'm reading on their website that the Skype Unlimited program will be expiring soon.

Texanoverseas

03-08-2008, 08:16 AM

Yes I did. They do that every now and then just to get people to buy quicker. You know how business works

romosexual

05-12-2008, 04:48 PM

If you want something real easy and mobile anywhere you go you should use magic jack. Its a little device you can plug up anywhere and use anywhere you have a internet connection. Look it up

Jazz

05-12-2008, 05:11 PM

I use Yahoo IM outgoing calls to any phone in the states, $10 for 1,000 minutes. It works great, all you need is a mic and speakers/earphones. There's also in option to set up a local phone number for your PC so people can call a state side number and it will ring your PC here, but incoming didn't work for me........

But, outgoing for 1 cent/minute is awesome...............

Displaced Floridian

07-14-2008, 10:02 AM

My husband and I love our Vonage, due to our somewhat technically incompetent parents... If you just want to make it easy on your family back home, Vonage lets you set up a local number that they can dial w/out incurring long-distance charges and they can't tell that it's not a local line. It's really a great service for $15 or so a month (cheapest plan). Also, I got two months free since a co-worker referred me!
If you want two months free to try it out too, just send me a message on here or e-mail me and I'll log on and send a referral.